Eckerd College

From meteorology and wildlife rehabilitation to conservation, gerontology and law: Eckerd students are enjoying productive summers with internships and partnerships that can shape their future.

From Classroom to Career: Meet Five Eckerd Students Gaining Real-World Experience This Summer News | Eckerd College

Eckerd alumnae Eli Logue '00 and Anna Wilson '12 visited campus with their film crew a couple times last year to highlight Eckerd in an upcoming episode of their docuseries Engineering Paradise. Their mission: to spotlight Eckerd's innovative spirit and community-minded ethos while weaving these qualities into their broader goal of healing the planet and inspiring positive change. Film studies, environmental studies, music and theater students worked side-by-side with the production team, getting valuable, hands-on industry experience. Adding a touch of Hollywood magic, Eli and Anna brought along their friend, partner, and fellow environmental advocate Matthew Morrison—best known for his iconic role as Will Schuester on GLEE. Morrison led a special masterclass for musical theater students, sharing insights and inspiration as cameras rolled for the docuseries. Circle in the Square Theatre School Eckerd College Alumni Network

Smiles spread everywhere as seniors Daeveon Davis and Mikhail Whyte embraced the deluge of hugs at a luncheon to honor the College’s first two incredibly accomplished Sunshine City Scholars. Both young men were able to graduate debt-free thanks to their scholarships and both of their trajectories changed completely because a college in their community invested in their future.

Eckerd College’s first Sunshine City Scholarship recipients honored before graduation ceremony News | Eckerd College

It's the nation's oldest academic society, founded in 1776 at the College of William & Mary. This spring, we inducted 24 seniors, three juniors, and one alumna into Eckerd’s Zeta Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. PBK recognizes exceptional achievement in the liberal arts and sciences. Only ~10% of American colleges and universities have been awarded a chapter, including Eckerd College, which established its chapter in 2004.

Eckerd College inducts 27 students into prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society News | Eckerd College

We're wishing this young marine mammal the best! Yesterday afternoon, Eckerd staff and watersports camp student instructors spotted a baby manatee that appeared to be listless, floating next to the Waterfront dock. They called MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Andy Garrett '99 responded with his crew; they confirmed the 6' male manatee was in distress and needed rescue. FWC staff, students and Eckerd College Search and Rescue team members used a hoop net to capture and pull him onto the dock. Once in a stretcher, the team transferred him to a foam pad at the top of the boat ramp and kept him wet, shaded, and comfortable until the transport team from ZooTampa at Lowry Park arrived. The approximately two-year-old manatee was lethargic, underweight, and had a watercraft wound series across his back as well as several shark wounds on his tail and peduncle (area where the tail connects to the body). When ZooTampa staff arrived, he was loaded into the specialized box truck and transported to their manatee critical care facility where he was assessed by the medical team and where he will be rehabilitated.

Peace Corps-bound: Ainyr Benedis-Grab ’26 will serve in the Cambodian education sector; Megan Chivers ’26—who credits her work with the Eckerd College Community Farm for making her a strong candidate for placement—will work in Mexico, focusing on environmental education and sustainable agriculture. More than 175 Eckerd alumni have served, or will soon serve, in the Peace Corps since 1961. Eckerd College Alumni Network

Two Eckerd College seniors accepted into Peace Corps for Fall 2026 News | Eckerd College

Six ambitious student entrepreneurs—including Daniel Bloomfield '26 who just graduated this month—delivered four engaging pitches during the final session of their spring Venture Creation course. The businesses ranged from sporting apparel to time management resources, with a splash of alcohol thrown in as well.

Student entrepreneurs make investment pitches in Venture Creations course News | Eckerd College

This summer, Rev. Robert Lord Galloway will step into his new role director of the Center for Spiritual Life and chaplain—a position that, for much of his life, he never expected to pursue.

Eckerd College names Rev. Robert Galloway as new director of the Center for Spiritual Life and chaplain News | Eckerd College

At this year's Festival of Cultures, students representing China, Brazil, France, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Scotland and India, along with the Afro-American Society, shared traditional dishes reflecting the heritage of their countries.

Eckerd celebrates cultural exchange with annual Festival of Cultures News | Eckerd College

From marine invertebrates in the Gulf of Mexico to Brexit film analysis and climate fiction, last month's 19th Annual Research Symposium showcased the full spectrum of undergrad research at Eckerd.

Inaugural Eckerd College Student Showcase Week highlights research and achievement across disciplines News | Eckerd College